Alice
So, you have a job offer on the table. Congratulations! But before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few important questions you should ask yourself (and your potential employer) to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Is there any flexibility in the salary? Salary should be one of the first things you negotiate, and it’s important to know what your bottom line is before you start talking. And, if the company isn’t willing to budge on salary, are there other benefits or perks that could be negotiated?
What do the benefits look like? Does the company offer multiple health insurance plans? Dental? What does the employee contribution look like for each? What about other benefits like life insurance or 401(k) match? Ask human resources to send you the benefits package with all the relevant information.
What is the potential for growth within the company? Do they invest in their employees? Will you have opportunities to learn new skills and grow within your role? If you didn’t ask during the interview, ask about growth opportunities, potential timelines for promotion, and career path.
How many vacation days are offered per year? Ask how many vacation days they’re offering. this is a good time to ask if there’s any flexibility in the policy and see if you can negotiate a few more, or if the number increases after years of service.
Is there a waiting period before taking vacation days? Some companies have a waiting period (usually a few months) before you can start using your vacation days. It’s a good idea to see if this is the case and let HR and your manager know if you have any upcoming trips planned.
What is the company’s policy on sick days? Are sick days separate from vacation days? How many will you have?
Is there flexible working? With the pandemic, many companies have shifted to remote work. Will this be a permanent change, or will you be expected to be in the office? if you’re interested in fully remote work, find out if it’s an option.
What is the dress code? This might not seem like an important question, but if you’re used to dressing casual and the company expects business professional, it could be a shock (and expense) to your system.
Do they offer tuition reimbursement? If you’re looking to return to school or get a degree in a related field, find out if the company offers tuition reimbursement. It’s a great benefit that can save you a lot of money.
Are any special discounts or allowances offered for things like gym memberships or cell phone service plans? Some companies have deals with certain service providers that could save you money.
Do they offer paid parental leave? If so, how much? This is an important question to ask if you’re planning on starting a family or expanding your family. It can also help you understand what kind of work-life balance the company expects.
How often are reviews conducted with employees and what is the feedback process like? Understanding how and when your performance will be evaluated is essential to career growth. You want to be sure that you’re able to get feedback on your performance, that your successes will be acknowledged, and that your employer is willing to work with you to improve.
What does onboarding look like? Is there a formal process? How long does it typically take to get up to speed? Knowing the answer to this question can help you set realistic expectations about your first few weeks on the job.
Is there any harassment policy? We cannot underestimate the prevalent trend of harassment in work places. Harassment can come from both genders and everyone should be provided with the necessary justice within a company if it happens. Before you accept any job offer in a company it is important to note that justice will be served in case you face any harassment within the premises.
What about parental or maternal leaves? Some people like the idea of starting a family and growing in a career side by side. But not every company can be considerate when it comes to parental or maternal leaves. Be considerate about the policy regarding these leaves because it is an important personal step.
What about the Incentives? We all want to grow within a company career wise and it is only possible if there are enough incentives.
Before you accept any job offer it is important to consider the possibility of having promotions after a considerable period of time. Research about the company’s take on incentives because it is an important step for your career.
Conclusion
Before you accept any job offer ask yourself these questions because they will dictate the path your career will take within a company.
